After two long years, fans of the popular BBC crime series are gearing up for the much-anticipated return of Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott. The sixth installment, titled Strike: The Ink Black Heart, is set to premiere on December 16 at 9 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, promising more of the gripping storytelling and character-driven drama fans have come to love.
Originally adapted from JK Rowling's book series, which is penned under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, Strike: The Ink Black Heart dives deep back within the murky waters of crime and detection. It is based on the sixth book of the series, bringing back the characters who have found favor with both avid readers and casual viewers alike.
Cormoran Strike, the troubled private detective played by Tom Burke, alongside his sharp-witted partner Robin Ellacott portrayed by Holliday Grainger, will again be unraveling complex mysteries. Their return follows the successful airing of the previous series, Troubled Blood, which captivated more than eight million viewers through its run.
This new narrative arc begins with Edie Ledwell, the co-creator of the popular cartoon The Ink Black Heart, who is confronting serious troubles. After receiving ominous threats from someone using the online pseudonym Anomie, she seeks help from Strike and Ellacott. Unfortunately, due to layers of commitments at their agency, they are unable to assist her immediately. This is where the story takes its dark turn - shortly after their conversation, Edie ends up murdered, prompting Strike and Robin to jump headfirst back onto the case she desperately needed help with.
The new series is set against the backdrop of modern social anxieties, where online anonymity and cyber threats play significant roles. The adjustment to contemporary crime themes adds depth and relevance, tapping directly on issues surrounding digital harassment and the dangers lurking on the internet. Fans can expect to encounter deep dives across various layers of family dynamics, online personas, and the intricacies of business entanglements as the duo races against time to expose Edie’s killer.
The cast for Strike: The Ink Black Heart is stellar, with many familiar faces returning. Tom Burke’s performance as Strike brings both intensity and nuance, capturing the inner conflicts of the character so well. Meanwhile, Holliday Grainger shines as Ellacott, balancing warmth and determination with her considerable acting chops. The chemistry between the two is palpable and is perhaps one of the series’ strongest points.
Joining the core duo, Ruth Sheen returns as Pat, Strike’s diligent office manager, offering both support and comic relief throughout the harrowing investigations. Caitlin Innes Edwards steps back as Ilsa, Strike’s longtime friend and lawyer. She brings her own complexity to the character, adding layers of friendship and loyalty to the plot.
The series welcomes several newcomers who are no strangers to audiences. Viewers will notice David Westhead from Bodyguard, Emma Fielding of Sanditon, and Christian McKay from Rivals, which raises excitement about the variety they’ll bring to the canvas of already rich storytelling. Each addition seems well-placed to contribute to deepening the plot’s engaging arc. Others joining the series include Tupele Dorgu, known from Coronation Street, and James Nelson-Joyce from Industry.
Returning fans will also want to mark their calendars: subsequent episodes will air sequentially, with the second episode dropping on December 17 at 9 pm, followed by episodes three and four on December 23 and 24 respectively. There’s plenty here for suspense enthusiasts, especially considering how the Christmas Eve release is set to culminate the storyline just as families gather for holiday celebrations.
If you find yourself caught up by the allure of the plot and can't bear the wait for weekly episodes, fear not! BBC iPlayer is making all four episodes available as a box set as they drop on December 16, making it perfect for binge-watching during your holiday downtime.
Strike’s latest adventure promises to explore not just the mystery behind Edie’s death but also themes of friendship and loyalty, all amid the chaos of life-altering investigation. With its mix of engaging storytelling, character depth, and modern relevance, Strike: The Ink Black Heart is ready to capture hearts all over again.
Soon, audiences will find themselves back with Strike and Robin, teetering on the edge of action and intrigue. Remember to tune in and join the investigation - it’s bound to be one hell of a ride!
